Basant Panchami: Celebrating traditions and rituals
Basant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja in many parts of India, marks the onset of the spring season and is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across the country. This auspicious day falls on the fifth day (Panchami) of the Hindu lunar month of Magha. Let us learn about the cultural, religious, and seasonal significance of the day.
Onset of spring
Basant Panchami signals the onset of spring, symbolizing nature's renewal and rejuvenation after winter's chill. It marks the transition from the harsh cold to a vibrant season of colors and vitality. Additionally, it holds agricultural importance as farmers begin preparations for the Rabi crops, such as wheat, barley, and mustard, viewing this time as auspicious for sowing seeds and ensuring a fruitful harvest.
Goddess Saraswati
Basant Panchami can be attributed to the reverence of Goddess Saraswati, who is depicted as the epitome of knowledge, wisdom, and creativity in Hindu mythology. She is often depicted with a veena (musical instrument) in her hands, symbolizing the arts, and a book symbolizing knowledge. Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and dress in yellow attire, symbolizing the onset of spring.
Festivities
Kite flying is a cherished tradition in North India, especially in Punjab and Haryana, while in eastern regions like West Bengal, it takes on the form of Saraswati Puja festivities. In the southern states, it is observed as Sri Panchami. People feast on traditional sweets like kesar pista and sweet kesari bhaat. The cities come alive with prayers seeking blessings for education and knowledge.
Sun god worship
The establishment of the Deo-Sun Temple, dedicated to the Sun God Surya in Bihar, is commemorated on Vasant Panchami. Surya, symbolizing wisdom and spiritual enlightenment, ushers in the end of winter, providing the sunlight necessary for nature's rejuvenation. In Bihar, people celebrate by singing, dancing, and meticulously cleaning the temple statues, paying homage to Surya's warmth and energizing presence.
People don yellow
On this auspicious day, people don yellow attire, adorn themselves with yellow flowers, and apply a turmeric tilak on their foreheads as a mark of devotion to the Goddess Saraswati. The idols of Saraswati are embellished with marigolds or "genda," yellow hyacinths, yellow lillies and draped in sarees of the same hue. Offerings made to the goddess, too, predominantly comprise yellow items.
Basant raga
Students and teachers assemble in educational institutions for Saraswati Puja. They place books, musical instruments, and artistic tools before the goddess, signifying reverence for knowledge and creativity. Musicians and artists present basant ragas to seek Maa Saraswati's blessings for proficiency in their craft. These melodies, known for their joyous and melodious nature, are believed to evoke the goddess's favor in music and arts mastery.
